10+ Sweet Sour Fish Recipes You’ll Love to Try

Sweet and sour fish is a beloved dish that combines the freshness of fish with a unique blend of flavors. You can enjoy a variety of recipes that highlight this delicious combination, making it a favorite in many households. These recipes not only offer a tasty meal but also let you explore vibrant ingredients and cooking techniques.

Whether you’re looking to make a quick weeknight dinner or impress guests with something special, sweet and sour fish recipes can suit any occasion. With so many ways to prepare it, you can find options that are easy to follow and fun to create.

From different types of fish to various sauces, you have plenty of choices to make this dish your own.

Cantonese Sweet and Sour Fish

Cantonese sweet and sour fish is a flavorful dish that combines crispy fish with a tangy sauce. This recipe is popular in Chinese cuisine and is loved for its balance of flavors.

To make this dish, you typically use cod. You season, coat, and then deep-fry the fish until golden brown. The frying creates a crunchy texture that pairs well with the sauce.

The sweet and sour sauce is a key component. It includes vinegar, sugar, and ketchup, creating a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors. Pineapple chunks and bell peppers add color and freshness.

Serve your Cantonese sweet and sour fish over steamed rice or noodles. It makes for a satisfying and delicious meal that is great for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 250-300g cod fillets
• 1/4 tsp salt
• White pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp beaten egg
• 40g potato starch or cornflour
• 35g vinegar
• 55g granulated sugar
• 25g ketchup
• 5g tomato puree
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the cod fillets with salt and white pepper.
2. Dip each fillet in beaten egg, then coat with potato starch.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
4. Fry the coated fish until golden brown, then set aside.
5. In the same pan, prepare the sweet and sour sauce by mixing vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and tomato puree.
6. Add the fried fish to the sauce and coat well.
7. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

2) Thai Pineapple Fish Curry

Thai Pineapple Fish Curry is a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. The bright sweetness of pineapple pairs well with tender fish and aromatic spices.

To make this dish, start by simmering coconut milk with red curry paste. This creates a rich and creamy base that enhances the overall flavor.

Next, add chunks of fresh pineapple and your choice of fish. Cod or tilapia works well for this recipe. The fish cooks quickly, so be sure not to overcook it.

Finish off the curry with fresh herbs like Thai basil for an added fragrance. Serve it over rice for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• 1 pound white fish (like cod or tilapia)
• Fresh Thai basil
• Rice for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat coconut milk in a saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the red curry paste until well mixed.
3. Add diced pineapple and bring to a gentle boil.
4. Add fish pieces and cook until the fish is tender.
5. Stir in fresh basil and serve over cooked rice.

3) Vietnamese Tamarind Fish

Vietnamese Tamarind Fish is a delicious dish that combines sweet, sour, and savory flavors. This recipe often uses catfish, which is popular in Vietnamese cooking. The tamarind adds a unique tanginess that makes this soup special.

To prepare, start by pan-frying garlic in oil until golden. Then, add your fish steaks to the pot and cook them briefly. This helps to bring out their flavor. You will then mix in the tamarind broth, which gives the dish its signature taste.

You can also include vegetables like pineapples, tomatoes, and bean sprouts. These enhance the soup’s texture and flavor, making it even more enjoyable. Serve the soup hot with rice for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 2 catfish steaks
• 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup pineapple, diced
• 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup bean sprouts

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and slice catfish into steaks.
2. Heat oil in a pot and pan-fry minced garlic until golden.
3. Add catfish and cook for 10 seconds on each side.
4. Mix in tamarind paste and let it simmer.
5. Add pineapple, tomatoes, and bean sprouts.
6. Cook until vegetables are tender.
7. Serve hot with rice.

4) Chinese Sweet and Sour Fillet

Chinese Sweet and Sour Fillet is a delicious dish that’s easy to make. This recipe features crispy fish fillets cooked in a tangy sauce with colorful vegetables. The sweet and sour sauce gives it a delightful flavor that pairs well with rice or noodles.

To start, you will need fish fillets, such as cod or tilapia. Coat them in batter and fry until golden brown. This creates a crunchy texture that complements the sauce.

For the sauce, combine vinegar, sugar, and ketchup to get that classic sweet and sour taste. You can add bell peppers, onions, and pineapple for extra flavor.

Serve the dish hot and enjoy the balance of flavors.

Ingredients

• Fish fillets (cod or tilapia)
• Flour
• Cornstarch
• Egg
• Oil for frying
• Vinegar
• Sugar
• Ketchup
• Bell peppers
• Onion
• Pineapple chunks

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the fish by coating it with a mix of flour and cornstarch.
2. Beat the egg and dip the fish fillets into it.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat (350°F/180°C).
4. Fry the fish until golden brown.
5. In another pan, mix vinegar, sugar, and ketchup to make the sauce.
6. Add bell peppers, onion, and pineapple; stir until soft.
7. Pour the sauce over the fried fish and serve hot.

5) Filipino Escabeche

Filipino Escabeche is a delightful sweet and sour fish dish that you can easily make at home. This recipe transforms fried fish into something special with a colorful sauce.

You start by frying the fish until it’s golden brown. You can use any type of fish you prefer, but make sure it’s fresh.

The sauce combines vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce, giving it that sweet and tangy flavor. You can add vegetables like bell peppers and carrots for extra color and crunch.

Serve your Escabeche with warm steamed rice. The rice balances the bold flavors perfectly and completes the meal.

Ingredients

• 1 whole fish (like tilapia or bangus)
• 1 cup vinegar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• Cooking oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Clean and fry the fish until golden brown.
2. In a separate pan, combine vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce.
3. Add the bell pepper and carrot to the sauce.
4. Simmer for a few minutes.
5. Pour the sauce over the fried fish and serve.

6) Malaysian Ikan Masak Asam Pedas

Ikan Masak Asam Pedas is a delicious Malaysian dish that combines sour and spicy flavors. It’s made with fish cooked in a tangy tamarind broth along with various spices. This dish is not only tasty but also easy to prepare.

To start, you can use different types of fish, such as mackerel or pomfret. The key is to balance the sourness with heat from chilies. You’ll appreciate the vibrant taste that comes from using fresh ingredients.

Cooking Ikan Masak Asam Pedas usually takes about 30 minutes. It’s perfect served with rice, making it a satisfying meal for any day.

Ingredients

• 2 pieces of fish (mackerel or pomfret)
• 3 tablespoons of tamarind paste
• 2 tablespoons of chili paste
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 piece of ginger, minced
• 2 cups of water
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat some oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
3. Add chili paste and tamarind paste; cook for a few minutes.
4. Pour in water and bring to a boil.
5. Add fish and cook for about 15 minutes.
6. Season with salt and serve hot with rice.

7) Japanese Nanbanzuke Fish

Nanbanzuke is a delicious Japanese dish featuring fried fish marinated in a sweet and sour sauce. This dish is known for its bright flavors and is often served chilled or at room temperature.

To prepare, you can use white-fleshed fish or salmon. First, coat the fish lightly in flour before frying it. Once cooked, let it cool slightly before placing it into the marinade. The marinade typically includes ingredients like vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar.

You can also add vegetables like onions, carrots, and cucumbers for extra crunch. Marinating the fish for a few hours enhances its flavor.

Ingredients

• 250-300 g fish (white-fleshed or salmon)
• 1-2 tbsp flour
• 150 cc dashi (Japanese stock)
• 120 cc rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 60 g onion, sliced
• 60 g carrot, julienned
• 60 g cucumber, julienned

Cooking Instructions

1. Sprinkle salt on the fish and let it sit for 15 minutes.
2. Pat the fish dry with a paper towel.
3. Dust the fish lightly with flour.
4. Fry the fish in hot oil until golden brown.
5. Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl.
6. Place the warm fish into the marinade and coat well.
7. Refrigerate for at least three hours before serving.

8) Indonesian Gurami Asam Manis

Indonesian Gurami Asam Manis is a delightful sweet and sour fish dish. Gurami, also known as gourami, is a popular fish choice in Indonesia. Its tender texture pairs well with tangy sauces.

To create this dish, you will need fresh gurami. The fish is usually crispy fried and coated in a vibrant sweet and sour sauce. The sauce often includes ingredients like onions, garlic, and bell peppers for added flavor.

You can serve this dish with steamed rice for a complete meal. The balance of sweet and sour flavors makes it a favorite among many.

Ingredients

• 2 gurami fish (about 900g – 1kg)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili sauce
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks

Cooking Instructions

1. Clean and gut the gurami fish.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Fry onions and garlic until fragrant.
4. Add bell peppers and sauté briefly.
5. Stir in tomato sauce, chili sauce, and pineapple.
6. Add the fried fish and coat with the sauce.
7. Serve hot with rice.

9) Indian Meen Moilee

Indian Meen Moilee is a delicious fish curry from Kerala. It is known for its creamy coconut milk sauce mixed with spices. The curry has a mild sweetness and a hint of tanginess.

To make this dish, you can use any firm white fish. The fish is cooked gently, allowing it to soak up the flavors. Ginger and garlic add a nice warmth, while curry leaves lend a unique aroma.

You’ll love how quick and easy this recipe is. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a comforting meal that brings a taste of South India to your table.

Ingredients

• 500 grams firm white fish fillets
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 10 curry leaves
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• Salt to taste
• Lemon juice (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
2. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and ginger. Sauté until golden.
3. Add curry leaves and stir for 1 minute.
4. Pour in coconut milk and salt. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add fish fillets, cooking gently for about 10 minutes until done.
6. Add lemon juice before serving, if desired.

10) Korean Braised Sweet and Sour Mackerel

Korean Braised Sweet and Sour Mackerel, known as Godeungeo Jorim, is a delicious dish that balances flavors perfectly. This recipe includes mackerel braised in a spicy and tangy sauce that brings out the fish’s natural taste.

To prepare, you’ll want to use fresh, cleaned mackerel. The fish is cooked with radish and seasoned with a mix of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes), soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. These ingredients create a rich and robust flavor.

As the mackerel simmers, it absorbs all the flavors, making every bite tender and satisfying. This dish is commonly served with rice, making it a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 whole mackerel, cleaned and cut
• 2 cups water
• 1 daikon radish, sliced
• 2 tablespoons gochugaru
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon minced ginger

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, add water and bring it to a boil.
2. Add radish slices and cook for a few minutes.
3. Mix gochugaru, soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and ginger.
4. Place mackerel in the pot and pour the sauce over it.
5. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Serve hot with rice.